AMC V-8s
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(→The Packard/AMC connection) |
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==The Packard/AMC connection== | ==The Packard/AMC connection== | ||
| − | AMC only purchased one | + | AMC only purchased one brand of V-8 from another manufacturer. That was the Packard 320 cid V-8 for the big 1955 Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet models, and the Packard 352 cid V-8 for the 1956 full-size Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet. These were equipped only with the Packard Ultramatic automatic transmission. AMC and Packard were supposed to have had a "gentleman's agreement" to cross purchase parts. This was partially to establish a working relationship between the two companies for a possible future merger. As it turned out, Packard felt it was doing AMC a favor by selling AMC V-8s. Packard sent a few bids in to AMC, but they were rejected for being too high- even though AMC was paying a premium for the Packard V-8s. AMC also discovered later that Packard was installing two head gaskets per side in the V8s they sold AMC, resulting in lower compression and less horsepower in the Packard-powered Hudson Hornets and Nash Ambassadors than the comparable Packard models. |
Needless to say, this incensed AMC management. George Mason, head of AMC, ordered his engineers to get him a V-8 as soon as possible. Just 18 months after receiving the order, AMC introduced a 250 cid V-8 in mid 1956. It initially was only used in the Nash Ambassador Special and Hudson Hornet Special. The Specials were really Statesman/Wasp models with Ambassador/Hornet trim, and they were only available as 4-door sedans and 2-door hardtops. The Statesman/Wasp bodies were built on a shorter wheelbase [114.25" vs. 121.25"] and lighter [3265 lbs. vs. 3495 lbs., curb weight] than the bigger cars. Using that platform helped improve the little 190-hp 250 cid V-8's power-to-weight ratio. | Needless to say, this incensed AMC management. George Mason, head of AMC, ordered his engineers to get him a V-8 as soon as possible. Just 18 months after receiving the order, AMC introduced a 250 cid V-8 in mid 1956. It initially was only used in the Nash Ambassador Special and Hudson Hornet Special. The Specials were really Statesman/Wasp models with Ambassador/Hornet trim, and they were only available as 4-door sedans and 2-door hardtops. The Statesman/Wasp bodies were built on a shorter wheelbase [114.25" vs. 121.25"] and lighter [3265 lbs. vs. 3495 lbs., curb weight] than the bigger cars. Using that platform helped improve the little 190-hp 250 cid V-8's power-to-weight ratio. | ||
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